Cloud-based project management software is designed to help with budgeting, planning, scheduling, resource allocation, plus many other project management tasks. You can host project management software on the project manager’s computer, on an on-site server for use by multiple people in your workplace.
You could also use web-based project management software, where all the data crunching and storage happens in the cloud rather than on servers or computers at your location.
Oh, the project management tales those sticky notes could tell.
One well-known online project management product is Basecamp, but many businesses find that they need more features and better project management tools. Fortunately, there are some outstanding Basecamp alternatives available for online project management.
Is online project management software right for you? Take this quiz and find out.
1. How much can you afford to spend on project management software?
a) It depends on how much is in the swear jar. Seriously, I’m on a strict budget, and I want to try out software before committing to buying.
b) We could spend up to $5,000, but would rather not if we don’t have to.
c) We have more money than sense. Let me show you the figures on this diamond-encrusted spreadsheet.
2. From where will project participants need to access the software?
a) Everywhere. We have remote workers, workers who travel a lot, and some telecommuters.
b) Mostly here at the office, though if we have a key player who’s traveling, they may need to access data from another time zone when nobody’s at the office.
c) Right here in the office. You didn’t think we let workers go home, did you?
3. Will your employees need to access project management data from iPhones or Androids?
a) Yes. We have a “Bring Your Own Device” environment, so there are a lot of different mobile devices in use.
b) We allow them to use their mobile devices for work-related tasks, as long as they don’t have any fun doing it.
c) Androids? iPhones? My rotary dial landline was good enough for our company’s founder, and it’s good enough for the rest of us.
4. Do you have the server and IT resources necessary to host on-site project management software?
a) Our IT department consists of Phil, who seems to know more about computers than the rest of us.
b) The motto for our IT department is, “We’re not happy until you’re not happy.”
c) Our server is guarded by our IT person with the zeal of Cerberus guarding the Underworld.
You’re generally safe around IT workers, except for the rare instances when they swarm.
5. Do you have a fast, reliable internet connection?
a) Yes. We may have lumber and cinder block shelving, but we can get data where it needs to go fast.
b) It’s pretty decent, but we have a major upgrade in the works in the next quarter.
c) I’m not sure. I think I have one of those free AOL CDs in the back of my desk drawer somewhere…
If you answered mostly a’s and b’s, then online project management software is probably your best choice. Up front costs are far lower than costs involved with on-site project management software, and your employees can access the system from anywhere.
One of the main reasons people stick with on-site software has to do with having physical control of servers containing data. However, top web-based project management software providers like Workzone have strong encryption and security tools that keep your data absolutely secure while also protecting it through data redundancy and a robust disaster management plan.
Photo Credits: Victor1558, Illusive Photography
